Archbishop Aram Ateşyan, General Vicar of Armenian Patriarch in Turkey, sent a letter to President Erdoğan about the Armenian Genocide resolution of Bundestag. In the letter, Ateşyan defined the passing of the resolution as “abuse of Armenian nation by imperialist forces”. Claiming that the decision caused a deep regret in Armenian nation, he said “we submit our regret to your dignified office”.

The
message shared on Facebook account of the Armenian Patriarchate,
which is signed by Aram Ateşyan, is as the following:

“Dear
Mr. President,

The
decision that Bundestag made about the events happened during the
tragic times of World War I caused regret in our nation. As the
Turkish Armenians society, we submit our regret to your
dignified office as an expression of our heartfelt and sincere
feelings.

Armenian Patriarchate in
Turkey is a religious institution which performs its obligations to
the state perfectly and got over the delusion of seeing itself
different from the other citizens. Also, its maxim is to express the
feelings of Christian-Armenian Turkish citizens, who know how to
protect their rights when necessary. The Patriarchate is aware of the
fact that some people are not happy with its stable attitude that it
maintains by abiding the traditional way. Our late patriarchs not
only provided religious services to our community with their
statements and constructive attitude, but also put their stamps on
the history with their exemplary behaviors, which still guide us
today.

In this regard, it is
unacceptable that a parliament, which was formed by the votes of
German citizens and has the duty of establishing laws for the peace,
prosperity and security of their nation, expressed its opinion,
though it has no right to do so. It is unacceptable that this
parliament legalized its decision on behalf of the entire German
nation and considers itself a judge.

“A controversial
issue”

Sliding
the role of German Reich over by a few sentences and pointing the
Ottoman Turkey as the sole perpetrator is ethically controversial. It
is also questionable to what extent this decision expresses the
feelings of German citizens.

As we
stated on number of occasions, using this tragedy that traumatized
the Armenian nation in international politics causes sorrow and pain.
This resolution and similar resolutions hit us hard. Unfortunately,
this historical pain of Armenian nation is considered as a tool for
accusing and punishing Turkish state and nation. And because of this
ugly mentality, sub- and supra-identities of Turkish Armenians are
harmed. The ones who are willing to see the truth can realize how
Armenian nation has been abused by imperialist powers.

Turkish
and Armenian peoples have to live together. These two ancient and
neighboring peoples shouldn't be driven apart from each other by
hatred inciting discourses. Instead of politicizing the history, the
aim should be the fellowship and peace. Two neighboring peoples, who
have common history and similar traditions, will live together with
peace one day, as long as we deem it possible and prevent the
unnecessary steps.

“Some people will
react against this attitude”

In a
world where politicians express their opinions about our people's
suffering by taking their interests into account, we, as the
Patriarchate, will continue to pray for the fellowship of Turkey and
Armenia. This attitude is the force of our faith and the expression
of our sense of citizenship. On the other hand, we know that some
people will react against this attitude of ours. May God take root in
the hearts of the citizens of the both countries. May God help the
souls who devote themselves to create what is good.

On
this occasion, we once again express our regret and pray to God for
bestowing health, success and happiness on you. Also, we pray to God
for making the state dignitaries, who work for the good of people,
succeed in their services.

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